OSF Saint Elizabeth Green to Gold event a success

The OSF Saint Elizabeth Foundation board raised almost $50,000 at its Green to Gold event in November.

OTTAWA – The OSF Saint Elizabeth Foundation raised almost $50,000 at its Green to Gold celebration in November for renovations to OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center’s nursery.

The foundation was established in 1994 to develop and encourage donations to support the hospital’s mission of serving patients with the greatest care and love. Since that time, the foundation has done a tremendous amount of work, both within the hospital and out in the community.

Within the hospital, the foundation has used funding to attract and retain physicians, to purchase advanced technologies and equipment and to help alleviate spiraling health care costs. Specifically, they have financed projects for the Family Birth Center and provided support and equipment for numerous departments, including surgical services and diagnostic imaging. Recent purchases have totaled almost $800,000.

The foundation also has donated more than $100,000 in scholarships to local students. It has provided financial support to the Family Room and the Health Center of Eastern LaSalle County. And provided life-saving equipment such as AEDs and first-aid kits to sports organizations and ambulance services.

All donations to the foundation remain local to support OSF Saint Elizabeth and the Ottawa community. The foundation is supported by the following board members, many of whom are also members of the local community: Jane Goetz, chairwoman; George Shanley, vice chairmain; Mark Palmer, treasurer; Peg Kramer-Graves, secretary; and board members Christina Cantlin, Phil Devermann, Renee Gallagher, Steven Gonzalo, Bill Kummer, Roger Meyer, Dr, Eric Ortinau, Ralph Velazquez and Judy Wrobel.